Chicago Bulls Stars Reportedly Ignoring Fred Hoiberg During Games

After making the playoffs every season from 2009 to 2015, including every season Thibodeau was head coach, the Bulls playoff streak ended in Hoiberg’s first season in charge. Now, the team is at risk of missing the postseason for the second year in a row.

Whenever a team fails, there are many parties that deserve blame. Players, coaches, and front office executives are all somewhat complicit.

Yet the belief persists in front office circles that Butler is no fan of Hoiberg. In fact, a scout with a rival team told Bleacher Report he’s witnessed persistent episodes when Butler, Rondo and Wade have ignored plays Hoiberg has called.

“When Fred would call plays on the sideline, Rondo would just flat-out blow him off,” said the scout, who spoke with Bleacher Report on the condition of anonymity. “Wade does it, too. Butler does it, too. … That becomes infectious.”

This report says a lot about why a team as talented as the Bulls has struggled to get results all season. If the coach has lost control over his star players, it would be impossible for him to manage the team.

While this is obviously a bad omen for Hoiberg’s future in Chicago, it also wouldn’t be surprising to see Butler, Wade, and Rondo all in different uniforms come next year. There is a chance the front office decides to give Hoiberg another chance with a fresh roster.

About the author

Jake Hirsohn is a journalist, podcast host, and NBA addict. His other interests include pop music, romantic comedies lacking in self-awareness, and the San Francisco Giants. Most importantly, he's a film school dropout and a writer for Windy City Hoops.